"How does the AIRBOARD™ work?

The exciting and new Hovering Scooter uses Hovercraft air cushion principles to glide just above the ground. The air cushion is generated from a uniquely designed engine and fan, which are suspended below the Hovering Scooter shell. In addition to providing an air cushion for the Hovering Scooter to ride on the fan also provides a fast stream of air exiting from the rear of the craft to provide forward thrust - just like a hovercraft. To help provide better acceleration the Hovering Scooter also includes a unique friction drive wheel at the rear of the craft. When the rider wishes to accelerate forward, weight transfer of the body towards the rear of the craft is used to bring the friction drive into contact with the ground. By engaging the friction drive clutch in this manner, the Hovering Scooter can be accelerated forward without losing the feel of hovering above the ground. The control of the Hovering Scooter is provided by weight transfer of the rider, similar to surfboards, skate boards and snow boards. In operation the Hovering Scooter can be started, stopped and steered in a controlled manner and this means that riders can perform stunts, trick maneuvers and race around tight tracks against each other. In this unique way the Hovering Scooter is the first ever vehicle to deliver the advantages of hovercraft vehicle without the disadvantages of poor acceleration and handling.

General Information:
· Total payload, incl. rider: 100kg (220 lb)
· Operating time: 1 hour on full tank of fuel

How fast will the AIRBOARD™ go and how do you stop?
Because the AIRBOARD™ is used on flat ground your speed is limited by the wind resistance that the rider and board present compared to the combined air and friction-wheel thrust. In addition different riding surfaces have different resistance factors (for example grass compared to concrete). For an average rider in still air conditions (no wind), riding on smooth surfaces, the AIRBOARD™ speed is limited to approx 15 miles per hour (25 Kilometers per hour).

6) How is the AIRBOARD™ Controlled?
The AIRBOARD™ handlebars include two control levers - one for the engine/fan speed and the second for the friction drive clutch. In addition to using these two levers, the AIRBOARD™ rider uses weight transfer (shifting one's body weight), to steer the board to the left or right - very similar to a skateboard or snowboard.
By using differing degrees of weight transfer, the AIRBOARD™ can be made to respond in different ways - sharp or slow turns, fast 360 degree turns and sliding turns are all possible. As the riders' skills increase, so does the range of exciting maneuvers that can be performed.

What tricks can I do on an AIRBOARD™?
360 degree spins, sliding stops and turns, zigzag movements, obstacle negotiation etc. It is fun to set up some Road Marks or lightweight objects on your hovering terrain to define a track to follow. Don't be afraid to use the AIRBOARD™ on wet surfaces as new tricks and handling skills can be learned. Riding through shallow puddles can be a real buzz!

How does the AIRBOARD™ differ from a standard Hovercraft?
The AIRBOARD™ differs from hovercraft in that it has a drive wheel able to be selectively employed for acceleration and directional control. The AIRBOARD™ also has friction devices that can be used for steering and stopping. .

Where can I buy a AIRBOARD™:
Order the AIRBOARD™ directly from Alura. Alura Intelligent Products, Inc. / 611 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 / 1-212 529-1142 / 1-212 982-8000 Fax - Email: alura75413@aol.com

Company Background: Alura Intelligent Products is a subsidiary of International Robotics, Inc. is a 30 year old research and development group composed of a global network of scientists, physicists, engineers, inventors, and techno-artists. Our group produces cutting-edge technologies, special F/X, futuristic icons, and advanced interactive robotic systems for marketing, communication, entertainment, education, retail, consumers, industry and licensing. IRI maintains a Techno-Marketing™ Showroom in New York City, which is a permanent exhibit of some of its more innovative technologies. The Showroom is available by appointment only.." [Via internationalrobotics.com/iaapapres_a.html]